Arsenal identifies three names to replace Wenger: Arteta leads the chase

As Massimiliano Allegri makes himself unavailable for the Arsenal job, Arsenal shortlists three names who can possibly take Wenger’s place next season.

After Arsene Wenger announced his resignation as Arsenal manager, the club’s board is looking for an able replacement. Arsenal received a blow when Juventus’ boss Massimiliano Allegri said that it is unlikely he would leave the Italian club until he is sacked.

However, according to a report by Daily Mail, Ivan Gazidis has identified three names who can replace Wenger. The English daily writes that Mikel Arteta, Patrick Vieira and Julian Nagelsmann are the only three men running for the job.

Mikel Arteta is also reportedly the front-runner among the three. His history as a player with the club favours his chances in the managerial chase. However, Daily Mail has deduced that Patrick Vieira is the fan favourite. The Arsenal faithful chanted his name as Wenger bowed out last Sunday.

Earlier this week, Arsenal removed Colin Lewin after 23-year of his service to the club. It is being reported that his closeness with Arsene Wenger can be the reason for the decision.

Arteta is currently the assistant manager under Pep Guardiola. Manchester City won the Premier League in an emphatic fashion this season, reaching 100 points.

Express earlier reported that Ivan Gazidis imposed financial restrictions in their search for the manager. This hampered the Gunners’ chances of appointing either of Allegri or Luis Enrique.

Arsenal’s former player Mikel Arteta, in an interview in 2014, gave a brief insight about his managerial ideologies. “I want football to be expressive, entertaining. I cannot have a concept of football where everything is based on the opposition,” Arteta said.

The former midfielder also emphasised that a manager needs to leave room for a player to exercise their own ability and creativity. “You can give them knowledge and ideas about what you want to do, but afterwards you need to leave room for their own ability,” Arteta told the media.